UK Announcement On Standardizing E10 Is Welcome News Amid Push To Cut Emissions And Meet Paris Commitments

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy and Renewable Fuels Association released a statement following the United Kingdom’s (UK) announcement to introduce a ten percent ethanol blend standard (E10) nationwide by September of this year:

“The United Kingdom’s introduction of an E10 ethanol blend comes amid a global push to decarbonize the transportation sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is a welcome announcement that will benefit the health of U.K. residents, create more jobs, and accelerate the country’s goal of a zero-emissions future. It is also another example of how biofuels like ethanol are being used to help countries achieve their climate targets. We look forward to the environmental benefits that E10 will bring not only to the U.K., but to decarbonization efforts across the world.”

In his announcement, U.K. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized how higher ethanol blends offer immediate environmental benefits. “There are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will help drivers across the country reduce the environmental impact of every journey, as we build back greener,” he said.

Current gasoline blends in Britain contain no more than 5% ethanol (E5). The announcement noted that switching to E10 could cut transport carbon dioxide emissions by 750,000 tons per year – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

In 2018, the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association submitted comments as the U.K. Department of Transport was considering implementation of a nationwide E10 ethanol blend, sharing both the environmental and cost saving benefits of ethanol.